I've always followed Alan Burge fine work @ the Examiner so when he begins his mock draft coverage it's a good idea for Texan fans to follow because its probably as close to the pulse over on Kirby as your going to find.

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Wide receiver is at the top of the list of Texans needs, if you're asking me. A dependable corner, one with deep cover speed and ball skills, would also be nice in the early rounds.

Sounds reasonable to me too just have to see who is available #26? Texans may need to be more proactive?

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After that, it's fill in areas where depth is needed. If Mario Williams is re-signed, outside linebacker is less important in this draft with Connor Barwin and Brooks Reed already under contract.

That is one big IF. Never skip a higher rated pass rusher if there. A penetrating one gap nose cannot be skipped if there or a starting positional player with return skills.

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Depth at offensive line, especially guys that can play both center and guard, and nose tackle also seem like reasonable choices in the mid to later rounds.

This obviously makes sound sense. OT early who could kick inside & one late who is a pure Center would be my choice. If they went starting caliber OG early instead there are worthy prospects 2nd/3rd for that need as well.

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Matt Leinart is still under contract so it will be interesting to see if the Texans keep him around with the rise of T.J. Yates in the system. If Leinart is released, the Texans will need a new QB3.

TJ is a better option than Leinart. I would trade him to a team who wants him for a 4th or 5th rd. pick. Texans need salary cap space. Maybe Rick Smith could even use him to trade up a couple spots in the first round to grab say a Kendall Wright, Michael Floyd or Alshon Jeffery if they slide?

So for AJ here is my quickie Texan Mock Draft-

Houston trades up two spots to #24 w/Pittsburgh in exchange for rights to Matt Leinart to be Ben Roethlisberger back-up. Houston then selects: First: Alshon Jeffery, WR South Carolina, 6-4 230

Charlie Batch per Scouts, Inc.Grade: 59 |Comment: Batch has the tools to be a solid backup with good enough arm strength to make all the throws. He lacks great mobility now to make plays out of the pocket. He is smart with the football. He is a solid athlete and a tough competitor who can finish a game or manage a contest in a pinch.

Matt Leinart per Scouts, Inc.Grade: 62 Comment: Leinart has ideal dimensions for the position with above-average arm strength, but needs to improve his ability to read coverages and go through his progressions. He can be an accurate passer when given time and the room to step into his throws, but will struggle when trying to extend the pocket and make plays on the move. His best fit is probably to be a backup for another year, or two, as he learns the finer points of playing quarterback.

Maaaaybe there's enough of an upside in Leinart to warrant a trade. IF they have the QB tutor that can get that upside out of him and If the Steelers can move down those two spots and still get the guy they're targeting... (I was tempted to use a much bigger "If")

Then again, why make this trade offer if all we'd accomplish is leaping over Denver...? Are they in the mkt for a WR?

Charlie Batch per Scouts, Inc.Grade: 59 |Comment: Batch has the tools to be a solid backup with good enough arm strength to make all the throws. He lacks great mobility now to make plays out of the pocket. He is smart with the football. He is a solid athlete and a tough competitor who can finish a game or manage a contest in a pinch.

Matt Leinart per Scouts, Inc.Grade: 62 Comment: Leinart has ideal dimensions for the position with above-average arm strength, but needs to improve his ability to read coverages and go through his progressions. He can be an accurate passer when given time and the room to step into his throws, but will struggle when trying to extend the pocket and make plays on the move. His best fit is probably to be a backup for another year, or two, as he learns the finer points of playing quarterback.

Maaaaybe there's enough of an upside in Leinart to warrant a trade. IF they have the QB tutor that can get that upside out of him and If the Steelers can move down those two spots and still get the guy they're targeting... (I was tempted to use a much bigger "If")

Then again, why make this trade offer if all we'd accomplish is leaping over Denver...? Are they in the mkt for a WR?

could be Rashad Butler as well, just example of a draft day deal that happens all the time. at least you took some time to respond with something intelligent. the reason you make trades is to target a specific player, if he gets this close why take any chances, but then I was never any good @ poker

could be Rashad Butler as well, just example of a draft day deal that happens all the time. at least you took some time to respond with something intelligent. the reason you make trades is to target a specific player, if he gets this close why take any chances, but then I was never any good @ poker

I understand the philosophy behind your deal and I would think that our scouting dept. should have some inkling on other teams' needs - although I know one can never be 100% sure - and know if we need to pull the trigger on a deal like that. You're right, if there's any uncertainty, as to what the folks in front of you might do, you make your move.

You know what the really disturbing (to me) part of my post was..? Is that Scouts, Inc. thinks that Leinart STILL needs more work. A 6-yr vet, former starter, 1st round pick, yada-yada-yada.... still needs "another year or two"....
...and I thought Alex Smith had a long "blooming" period.

Yeah but another team like the Rams (if they dont take Blackmon) copuld trade up for a WR like Jeffrey.

Bottom line for me is

1. A successful draft should include 2 impact players 1 solid starter and 1/2 ST guys.
2. If you think that an impact player is within 5/7 picks of wher you're picking giving up your 1/3/5th picks like the Ravens did to get Flacco in the Duane Brown draft should be an automatic trade.

I consider Jeffery to be that kind of WR as long as he runs atleast a 4.6 at the combine. He's got great hands, runs good routes and is a physical mismatch. Although he came into the spring workouts out of shape. He lost the weight and I haven't heard any of his coaches/teammates questioning his work ethic.

His QB's were the problem this yr. Garcia = strung out on drugs, Shaw = Stunk up the joint.

Bob would have to sign off on trading up from 26 to say 17/18. There' the difference in $$$$ thingy.